When the cold winds blow and the surface land turns into a frozen tundra, all I want to do is go somewhere warm. For my family, a dip in a pool makes us feel like we’re in a tropical locale. Even though we have to brave the Illinois weather when we head back to the car, a few hours of respite is good for my soul (and my kids’ restless energy). Here’s an updated list of indoor pools and water parks where you can to to get your own slice of summer at one of Lake County’s nearby indoor pools and water parks.

Hours can change, so please be sure to call ahead or check the website before heading out. Also, some pools may require you to be a member or live in-district.

Indoor Pools in Lake County

Aquadome Pool
(Located inside Buffalo Grove High School) 1100 West Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove | (847) 459-2310
Open Swim: Fridays 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The pool is open to pass holders and daily guests. Inflatables and toys are set up at the Aquadome during weekend open swim periods. An adult (18 years old or older) must accompany children younger than seven years old. Be sure to check the Aquadome website for schedule changes due to school activities.

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FitNation Pool
1655 Nations Drive, Gurnee | (847) 623-4525
Check the schedule for days and times of open swim. Open swim sessions are scheduled almost every day of the week, at times all throughout the day, including on Columbus Day. You may either pay a single use fee, purchase a 10-pack guest pass or a season pass. Games and toys are allowed so long as they do not create a safety hazard, but patrons may be asked to remove toys upon attendance levels. A parent must be in the water with children younger than eight years of age. A family locker room is available for families with children younger than age 12.

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Foglia YMCA
1025 N. Old McHenry Rd., Lake Zurich | (847) 438-5300
Membership is required to use the pool, however you may get a free day guest pass (limit three per person, per year).  Foglia YMCA has open swim hours daily. See the schedule for exact days and times. Children age 11 and younger MUST be accompanied by an adult 16 years of age or older IN the pool, within an arms length away at all times, unless they have passed the swim test. Guardian must be within viewing area at all times.

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Illinois Beach Resort & Conference Center
1 Lake Front Drive, Zion | (847) 625-7300, ext. 638
Day Pass includes access to large swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, locker room and other fitness amenities. Guests younger than 15 must be accompanied by an adult in all areas of facility. 
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Lake Forest Community High School
300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest | (847) 234-7261 
Family swim sessions are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, see website for times.  Rentals for parties are also available if you call ahead. A child may be unaccompanied in the water if they can swim 20 yards without a flotation device. A skill test will be administered by staff. If a child is using a flotation device, an adult must be present in the the water and the device must not be inflatable. Flotation devices are available at the pool. Patrons may pay a daily entrance fee, or purchase a yearly or trimester season pass.

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Lakeview Fitness Center 
700 Lakeview Pkwy, Vernon Hills | (847) 996-6330
Open swim fees for adults are $9 (resident) and $11 (non-resident); admission for children is $5 (resident) and $7 (non-resident). Open swim is FREE to members of the Lakeview Fitness Center. The pool at features four 25-yard lap lanes, a thrilling water slide and an enjoyable children’s play structure. The water slide is available during the scheduled time per the pool schedule and during select pool party rentals. Swimmers wishing to use the water slide must be 48-inches tall. The play structure is available upon request during open swim times. Only coast guard approved flotation devices are allowed in the pool and on the slide.

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Libertyville High School
708 W. Park Ave., Libertyville | (847) 327-7000
The pool is open on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. There is no public swim during the holidays. Children younger than ten must be accompanied by an adult.

Northwestern Lindenhurst Health & Fitness Center
3098 Falling Waters Boulevard, Lindenhurst | (847) 535-7601
There are all ages swim hours on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. See the website for exact times times. All ages are welcome to enjoy swimming and playing in the lap pool during supervised swim when a certified lifeguard will be on duty. A parent must be in the pool with children under the age of 10. Children ages 11 and 12 must be accompanied by a parent in the natatorium. Children ages 13 to 15 do not need adult supervision; however, a parent must remain inside the building at all times.

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Recreation Center of Highland Park
1207 Park Avenue West, Highland Park | (847) 579-4564
Open swim hours occur daily, see their website for times. Children ages 11 and under must be supervised in the pool area by an adult at least 16 years or older. When two guards are on duty, a child must be 12 years old in order to swim on his or her own at the pool. If only one guard is on duty, a child must be at least age 16 to swim on their own unless he or she has permission from the Aquatic Coordinator. This location has a variety of day pass, family membership, and pool membership options.

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Sach’s Recreation Center
455 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield | (847) 572-2600
Open Swim: Saturday & Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Children younger than age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Lifeguards are on duty. Additional hours may be added during holidays, call for more information.

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Vernon Hills High School
145 Lakeview Pkwy, Vernon Hills | (847) 932-2000
Community Swim: Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. Enjoy four lanes for lap swimming, a family play area, and diving boards. Please check the Community Aquatics Schedule to confirm open swim times and find special offers.

Waukegan Field House & Athletic Center
800 Baldwin Avenue. Waukegan,
Open Swim Hours Daily , See website for exact times.
Youth , $4 resident/$6 nonresident, Adults, + $10 resident/$15 nonresident
Enjoy a kids pool, open swim, and family open swim times. Please check the website for exact hours.

Indoor Water Parks in Lake County

Arctic Splash Indoor Pool
Community Recreation Center (CRC), 333 W. Dundee Rd., Wheeling | (847) 465-3333 
Open Swim: See online schedule fee is $6.50 for adults and $5.50 for kids ages 3-9, Parent/Tot Swim Drop-in Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (the fee for this program is $3 per parent; FREE for child). Children younger age 10 must be accompanied by a swimming adult age 17 or older. Children younger than five years old must remain within arms reach of a swimming adult at all times. Only U.S. Coast Guard Approved flotation devices are allowed; no closed-nose masks are allowed.

On most school holidays and extended breaks, child-care is offered for children in grades K-8. Supervised activities are offered on-site and include swimming at the Arctic Splash indoor pool, games, sports, and crafts along with a snack. Both residents and non-residents can attend, but registration is required. See the website for more information.

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Great Wolf Lodge
1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee|  (224) 656-8685
While not open until September 2018, The Great Wolf Lodge is taking over the former Key Lime Cove site. Book an overnight stay before March 9th and save 30 percent.

Worth the Trip:

While not in Lake County, these parks are just a short trip away. If you’re looking for some wet fun, they are certainly worth the trip.

Timber Ridge Lodge & Water Park
7020 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI| (866) 636-4502
Water slides, hot tubs, and a lazy river are just a few pieces of the fabulous indoor water park just over the border in Lake Geneva. This venue is family-friendly (including lots to do for the very young child); come for the day or stay the night in one of their full kitchen suites. For $89, a family can get four water park admissions and access to a suite from 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Contact the lodge for more details.

RecPlex
9900 Terwall Terrace, Pleasant Prairie, WI | (262) 947-0437 
See the monthly online schedule for daily open swim times for the whole family. There is also a parent-tot swim for parents with kids under six years old on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Fun and fitness go hand in hand at this 17,000 square foot indoor water park where you will love the massive sea-scape mural and be greeted by a blast of warm air. The three water slides, in-pool playground, zero-depth entry, geysers and fountains combine to make one big indoor water park! Add to this four 25-yard lap lanes, a current channel, and a hot tub, and you’ve got a one-stop fun and fitness destination that you and your family will  love all year round!

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Splash Landings
2400 Chestnut Ave., Glenview | (847) 486-5372
Family Swim is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Fridays from 4:00 p.m .- 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Family Swim Hours are designated for patrons of all ages to swim and enjoy the spray play features and slides in both pools (unless otherwise noted). Two to three lap lanes are available for those patrons 13 years of age and older who wish to swim laps. Children under the age of nine must be supervised by an adult at least 16 years of age or older. This adult must be in proper swim attire and within an arm’s reach of the child at all times. Children must be 42 inches tall to ride the large waterslide. Towels, swim suits and goggles can be purchased at the on-site store. There is also a childcare center if you want to go in the hot tub without the kids.

Where will you be swimming indoors this winter?